A 41-year-old Salem man was arrested by the Indiana State Police on Halloween night and charged with dealing Meth near Leesville and possession of a stolen gun.
Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:
- Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams with a Handgun, Level 3 Felony
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Level 6 Felony
On October 31st, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and the Indiana State Police DES conducted a patrol in the Fort Ritner and Tunnelton areas after having received multiple tips from concerned citizens of drug activity in those areas.
While there, Sgt. Greg Day observed a white, 2013 Ford Focus traveling with a license plate that returned as BMV status “inactive”.
Sgt. Day conducted a traffic stop near Leesville Road.
While speaking with the male driver, Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem, Sgt. Day observed indicators of criminal activity.
After Troopers Caleb Garvin and Richard Klun arrived to assist with the stop, Trooper Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert to illegal controlled substances in the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun.
The handgun was later found to be stolen out of Shelby County.
Anyone with illegal drug information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.
All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law
